Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's private 'Christmas card photo' of Archie and Lilibet spotted by fans
The couple have remained private about their childrenAn adorable Christmas card photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their children has seemingly emerged online.
In December 2024, fans got a rare glimpse at the family in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s official Christmas card. A photo included on the card saw Archie and Lilibet facing away from the camera as they ran to Meghan and Harry for a hug.
Now, another family picture has emerged online as fans spotted it appearing in the background of an interview with Meghan’s close friend, Gloria Steinem.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children feature in private Christmas card
The equal rights activist featured in an article for Architectural Digest in December, showcasing inside her glamorous Manhatten home. Now, nearly two months on, eagle-eyed fans have spotted a familiar family in one of the photographs in the background of the video.
In the corner of her living room office, a black and white snap of Meghan, 43, Prince Harry, 40, and their children can be seen on a card. In the photo they all appear to be lying on the ground smiling, with the picture taken from above.
Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.
Their daughter Lilibet, three, smiles extravagantly, whereas Archie, five, places a hand across Meghan’s face. It’s unclear when the photo was taken and when it was sent to their friend.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have become protective parents over the years. They have ensured any sighting of their children goes through them.
The couple made the conscious decision to not show their faces in the public Christmas card in 2024.
Why Harry and Meghan don’t show their children’s faces
Last summer, a friend of the Sussexes told PEOPLE why Harry and Meghan tend to keep their kids’ faces hidden in images.
They said: “Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly. Not out of desire to hide them. But to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats. He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible, without the fear of kidnapping or harm.”
The source explained that Harry made the commitment to privacy after his own experiences with the media growing up.
In addition, the insider added: “As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.”
Some fans have discussed the photo leak online, with many supporting the couple. One said on X: “While Archie and Lilibet are older now, and it’s a cute picture, Harry and Meghan still wouldn’t want their faces to have been shown. We all know how fiercely Harry and Meghan protect their children, and we all know it’s for good reason. I wish people wouldn’t do this.”
Meanwhile, another wrote: “Feeling pretty sad for Harry and Meghan right now who have tried so hard to keep their kids safe.”
A third added: “Whoever found it should have kept it to themselves. Always thinking about monetising and not about how to protect their favourites.”
Meghan Markle’s tribute to her children in Instagram video
The latest insight to Archie and Lilibet comes after Meghan shared an emotional video on her Instagram, thanking singer Billie Eilish for her help.
Meghan explained how she reached out to the popstar via her celeb friends to replace a teenage girl’s Billie concert T-shirt lost in the devastating LA fires.
Who is Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex?
Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in California, United States. She is currently 43 years old. She had a career in acting before marrying into the royal family in 2018.
What did Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex do before joining the monarchy?
Former actress Meghan had a string of acting roles before she met Prince Harry, most famously playing the role of Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits.
Her acting career began at Northwestern University.
The duchess also wrote a lifestyle blog named The Tig and became heavily involved in charity work - which has continued since she met Harry.
Marrying Prince Harry
Meghan married into the royal family on May 19, 2018, when she and Prince Harry tied the knot at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Just a few months after their wedding, Meghan and Harry announced they were expecting their first child. They welcomed Prince Archie on May 6, 2019.
Two years later on June 4, 2021, the couple welcomed a daughter named Princess Lilibet. She was named after the late Queen Elizabeth II - whose nickname was Lilibet.
Months after welcoming son Archie, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down from their senior royal roles within the royal family. They then moved to the United States and have lived there since.
Meghan has made a return to the entertainment world, launching projects with Netflix alongside Harry. In January 2025, she announced a lifestyle show named With Love, Meghan, which will see her giving cooking and gardening tips to viewers alongside a host of celebrity guests. It will premiere on March 4, 2025.
And in the clip she had her own subtle nod to Archie and Lilibet. She had their names embroidered onto the collar of her sweatshirt.
However, this isn’t the first time fans had an insight to her children on Instagram. In her tribute post for her dog, Guy, who sadly died, Archie features in one of the clips.
Then in another clip, both children could be heard speaking in the background.
Read more: Prince Archie is a ‘double’ of Harry in new photo as they go surfing
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